Cookies. Santa. Holiday tunes.

You’ll find experience those and much more at the Holiday House community event from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec, 15—as the Ironton Rotary Club presents its holiday cheer at the Oakridge House, 111 S. Eighth St. in Ironton.

Sarah Simmons, president of the Rotary Club, said the Holiday House is a free, family-friendly event designed to bring the community together during the holiday season. 

“We have planned a variety of activities to make the day special for children and families,” she said. 

Highlights of the upcoming event include cookie decorating, ornament crafting, a visit with Santa and storytelling with the Briggs Lawrence County Public Library. The Rotary Club is also partnering with the Lawrence County Museum & Historical Society to showcase a display of toys throughout history—adding an educational and nostalgic element to the festivities.

Music at the event is provided by the Sugar Creek Christian Academy school choir; students will perform Christmas music for attendees. 

“We are also hosting a food drive during the event,” Simmons said.

People can bring nonperishable food items to support the BackPack Buddies holiday meal program. BackPack Buddies is a nonprofit organization that provides food for school-age children who have limited to no access to food over the weekends. Monetary donations are also accepted.

“We’re hoping the Holiday House plays a role in fostering community connectedness and neighbors coming together to celebrate,” Simmons said. “We also hopes it inspires people to get more involved in our local civic organizations.” 

Simmons said the Rotary Club is about service above self. 

“Events like this show how we can all work together to make an impact—especially with all of our different community partners who are going to be participating,” she said.

Another highlight of the event is “Letters for Santa.” Simmons said The Ironton Tribune “was so nice to provide a forum for it.” 

“We will bring (the children’s letters) back to The Tribune after the event,” she said. “It should be a fun time.” 

Community organizations are integral in the success of this holiday event, according to Simmons. 

“We wouldn’t be able to do it without all of our community partners who are coming together to provide different activities and showcase what they do,” she said. “Like the library coming with story time…They will be reading holiday books. The museum and their displays. The choir coming.”

One Rotarian—Erica Berry—manages the Oakridge House, Simmons said, which is “a wonderful, historic location in town that we’re excited to be able to utilize.” 

“We’re hoping to see families and community members of all ages join us and celebrate the season, and hopefully give back while they’re enjoying a festive time,” Simmons said.